Studenac, Croatia’s largest grocery retailer by store count, has announced it will build a new distribution centre near the capital Zagreb.

The company said that the 36,000 sqm site will use “state-of-the-art" technology to improve the efficiency and capacity of its logistics network, resulting in “shorter delivery times” to stores and improved collaboration with suppliers.

The centre will use a warehouse management system to integrate all operations as well as an automatic replenishment system that will optimise stock across the retailer’s network.

The retailer added that it plans to embed environmentally friendly solutions into the site, including a comprehensive waste management system and solar panels on the roof.

Around 500 jobs will be created once the new distribution centre is opened.
Studenac currently has a central distribution centre in Dugopolje, near the coastal city of Split, which supports cross-dock operations in Zadar, as well as semi cross-docks in Dubrovnik, Pazin, Zagreb and Kutina.

Over the past six years Studenac has more than tripled its store network, expanding throughout Croatia via a combination of organic growth and acquisitions.

“The construction of this distribution centre is another significant step forward in our operations,” said Studenac chief executive Michal Senczuk. “The new facility is scheduled to begin operations in the second quarter 2025 with the aim to boost efficiency all along our supply chain, while at the same time improving the quality of the product offering in our stores.

“Logistics is one of the company's competitive advantages, and we intend to use it as a foundation to further develop our network, continuing to roll out our concept of proximity stores.”

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